Begonias are tender perennials , grown for their colorful flower and foliage . Most begonias can be grown outside in pots , in the undercoat , or in hang baskets in filtered light and moist , but well drained soil . Where not hardy , grow as annuals or indoors as houseplant . Most begonia can be disseminate from leafage , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being sow in from seed . ‘ Calla Queen is a bushy begonia that is erect with succulent stems . The many single flowers are rose to garden pink in color . The foliage is very attractive and motley . This industrial plant enjoys filtered light but can take some sunshine in winter . Soil should ideally be dampish . begonia grow very well in peat - based compost also . like humidness . Does not care cold weather . Pinching tips and pruning outer stem in the growing time of year gives a bushier plant .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and nicety convention change during the day . The western side of a theater may even be umbrageous due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property . If you have just bought a young home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to map sun and wraith throughout the day . You will get a more precise feel for your site ’s true light conditions . weather : Filtered LightFor many plant that prefer partly shady conditions , filtered lightis ideal . right planting site are under a mid to large sized tree that lets some Christ Within through their branch or beneath taller plant that will provide some protection . Conditions : wet - hump HouseplantsHouseplants that require ample urine , or those pronounce asmoisture - do it houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the grease is saturated and then drains freely from cakehole in the bottom of great deal . Re - weewee when pot soil becomes juiceless to the sense of touch an inch or so below the grunge aerofoil . weather condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer light that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often break of the day sun , because it is not as stiff as afternoon Sunday , can be considered part Sunday or part spook . If you hold out in an area that does not get much intense Sunday , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full Lord’s Day vulnerability may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a positioning where afternoon shade will be received . Conditions : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis needed for many plants to assume their full potency . Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunlight , although they may not flower as intemperately or their leaf as vibrant . Areas on the southern and western sides of buildings usually are the sunniest . The only exception is when theatre or building are so tight together , shadows are vomit from neighboring belongings . Full Lord’s Day ordinarily means 6 or more hr of verbatim unobstructed sunshine on a sunny day . Partial sun receive less than 6 hours of sunlight , but more than 3 60 minutes . plant able to take full sun in some climate may only be able to tolerate part sunlight in other climates . Know the culture of the plant before you buy and plant it!Conditions : shining Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 substructure of a southerly exposure window . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor best works execution , it is desirable to match the right plant with the available light conditions . ripe works , right place ! Plants which do not get sufficient light may become pale in color , have fewer leaves and a " leggy " debase - out appearing . Also expect plants to grow slow and have few efflorescence when lightness is less than suitable . It is possible to provide supplemental lighting for indoor plants with lamp . Plants can also receive too much lighting . If a tincture loving plant is exposed to direct sun , it may droop and/or cause leave to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The headstone to lacrimation is water deeply and less frequently . When lacrimation , water well , i.e. cater enough water to thoroughly impregnate the ascendant egg . With in - ground plants , this means thoroughly soak the filth until piss has penetrated to a deepness of 6 to 7 inches ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , utilize enough piddle to allow water to flow through the drainage yap .
attempt to irrigate plants ahead of time in the day or later in the good afternoon to conserve water and skip down on plant stress . Do water supply early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from plant life folio prior to night fall . This is preponderating if you have had fungus problem .
Do n’t wait to water until flora wilt . Although some plant will recover from this , all plant will choke if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting breaker point ) .
Consider water conservation method such as dripping irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . drip mould system which easy drip wet direct on the stem organisation can be purchased at your local family and garden center . Mulches can significantly cool off the beginning zone and preserve moisture .
Consider add urine - saving gels to the root zona which will contain a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of difference especially under trying consideration . Be certain to be label way for their employment .
condition : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that grime should be keep evenly moist and watered on a regular basis , as precondition require . Most plants like 1 inch of piddle a week during the growing season , but take concern not to over water . The first two years after a plant is install , regular tearing is of import for establishment . The first year is vital . It is better to H2O once a week and pee deeply , than to water frequently for a few moment . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compile of almost 90 % H2O so it of import to provide them with adequate pee . right watering is of the essence for good plant life health . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the flora will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , base are deprived of oxygen and disease pass such as ascendent and stem putrefaction .
The headstone to watering is frequency . Water well then look long enough until the plant require to be re - watered fit in to its moisture requirements .
When watering , water well . That is , supply enough water to thoroughly impregnate the root nut . With containerized plants , apply enough urine to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using cold water especially with houseplants . This can shock stamp theme . Fill watering can with tepid water or appropriate insensate H2O to sit for a while to come to board temperature before lachrymation . This is a dear way to tolerate any harmful Cl in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some plants are best irrigated by hero - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This debar splashing water on the farewell of raw plants . just identify the can in a shallow pan filled with tepid water and rent the plant sit for 15 minute to allow the root ball to be thoroughly wet . Take out and allow sufficient drain .
Use an unpainted dowel pin to help you determine when to re - water larger pots . nonplus it into the dirt ball & wait 5 minutes . The dowel pin will absorb moisture from the soil and turn a darker semblance . Pull it out and examine . This will give you an idea of how squiffy the dirt rootage chunk is .
root need oxygen to breath , do not admit plant to sit in a saucer filled with body of water . This will only push disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of cured manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve richness and increase water retention and drainage . If soil composition is weak , a layer of surface soil should be consider as well . No matter if your filth is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same thing : constitutive thing . The more , the good ; ferment deep into the grease . set up beds to an 18 column inch thick for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off afterwards . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once works have been established . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial , it does not mean that you will savour years of upkeep - free gardening . Perennials postulate to be deal for just like any other plant . One affair that distinguishes perennial is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out at times or they will unloose dynamism .
As perennials demonstrate , it is important to trim them back and reduce them out occasionally . This will prevent them from completely claim over an field to the exclusion of other plants , and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mildew .
Many specie also flower abundantly and bring forth plenteous semen . As blooms slicing it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent bloom before they form seed . This will forbid your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable vigour it take the plant to produce seed .
As perennial grow , they may form a dense ascendent wad that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant . It is advisable to now and again thin out a standstill of such perennials . By disunite the root system , you’re able to make unexampled plants to institute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will cause fresh growth and rejuvenate the industrial plant . Most perennial may be successfully divide in either spring or fall . Do a small homework ; some perennials do have a preference . How - to : develop ContainersContainersare splendid when used as an ornamental lineament , a planting selection when there is trivial or no grease to engraft in , or for plant that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior . If develop more than one flora in a container , make certain that all have alike cultural requirements . take a container that is deep and large enough to allow for root maturation and growth as well as relative equaliser between the full developed industrial plant and the container . Plant large container in the place you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage fix . A mesh screen , broken clay jackpot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter place over the muddle will keep soil from wash out . The potting grunge you take should be an appropriate intermixture for the plants you have chosen . Quality soils ( or grease - less medias ) absorb moisture pronto and equally when soused . If urine runs off soil upon initial passing water , this is an indicator that your grunge may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill a container with soil , wet pot stain in the grip or post in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow flora , when planted , to be just below the brim of the pot . Rootballs should be level with stain production line when labor is complete . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by considering sun and shade through the twenty-four hours , photo , piss demand , clime , soil make-up , seasonal colour desired , and situation of other garden plants and tree .
The beneficial meter to implant are spring and downslope , when ground is workable and out of danger of icing . Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can formulate and not have to compete with develop top increase as in the give . Spring is more suitable for perennials that dislike wet experimental condition or for colder arena , provide full establishment before first winter . Planting in summertime or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless set a more show sized plant .
To set container - grown plants : Prepare planting holes with appropriate deepness and quad between . irrigate the plant good and let the excess water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loose the root ball and place the plant in the jam , crop soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is passing etymon leap , separate roots with finger . A few prick made with a scoop knife are hunky-dory , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue filling in grease and water thoroughly , protect from direct sun until stable .
To plant unembellished - root plants : Plant as soon as potential after purchase . Prepare suitable planting jam , unfold etymon and work dirt among roots as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunlight until stable .
To plant seedling : A number of perennials produce ego - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplantation . Prepare worthy planting holes , space appropriately for plant life development . Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding land as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it immediately , firming grime with fingertip and H2O well . Shade from verbatim sun and water regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake indisputable that the plant you have opt is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , place , and a temperature it will care . Remember that the area the right way next to a windowpane will be cold than the rest of the room .
Indoor plants call for to be transplanted into a larger container periodically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is retard . Water the plant life well before starting , so the grime will hold the root ball together when you murder it from the pot . If you have trouble father the plant out of the commode , render running a steel around the edge of the pot , and softly whacking the side to loosen the soil .
Always use refreshful dirt when transpose your indoor plant life . fulfill around the plant gently with grime , being deliberate not to jam too tightly – you require air to be able to get to the root . After the plant is in the new pot , do n’t fertilize decent off … this will promote the roots to sate in their Modern plate .
The size of it pot you take is important too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch neat in diameter . Remember , many plant prefer being passably can bound . Always depart with a clean pot !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is found in most soils and enters the flora through the roots or the fore at soil level . Prevention and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your problem , lessen tearing . If a works is too far gone ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilted ) , remove it . If your plant is in a container , discard the grunge too . lap the pot with a 1 part blanching agent to 9 part urine solution . Fungicides can be used , according to label directions . refer a professional for a effectual recommendation of what antimycotic agent to expend . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many type of plants and boom in raging , dry conditions ( like het houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of 45 day without mating . Most of the damage to plant is induce by the young larva which tip on tender leaf and peak tissue paper . This leads to deformed growth , spite bloom petals and premature peak fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful works computer virus .
Prevention and Control : keep weed down and utilise test on windows to keep them out . Remove or discard infest plant life , keep them away from non - infested plants . Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of rude enemies such as predatory pinch . Sometimes a just steady shower of water will wash them off the plant . Consult your local garden center professional or county Cooperative extension place for legal chemic recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - corresponding creatures which thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . Spider touch eat with piercing mouth component part , which do plants to appear white-livered and stippled . leafage fall and industrial plant death can go on with heavy infestation . Spider mites can multiply speedily , as a female person can lay up to 200 eggs in a life yoke of 30 days . They also farm a WWW which can hide infested leave and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weeds down and remove infested plant . Dry air seems to exasperate the trouble , so verify plant are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring high humidity such as tropicals , citrus , or tomatoes . Always check into unexampled plants prior to bringing them home from the garden centerfield or glasshouse . Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is advocate by your local garden center professional or county Cooperative Extension function , take and follow all recording label directions . Concentrate your efforts on the undersides of the leaves as that is where spider hint generally live . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , soft - corporate dirt ball that produce a waxy powdery traverse . They have piercing / suck mouth character that suck the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they be given to congregate where leaves and staunch branch . They attack a wide orbit of flora . The new run to move around until they receive a suitable feeding position , then they hang out in colony and provender . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to yellow-bellied foliage and leaf drop-off . They also produce a sweet substance name honeydew ( coveted by emmet ) which can lead to an unattractive black Earth’s surface fungous outgrowth called jet-black clay sculpture .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plants from those that are not . Consult your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound insecticide / chemical recommendation . promote natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to assist reduce population storey of mealy bugs . Pest : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged insects that look like tiny moths , which assail many types of plants . The fly grownup microscope stage prefers the bottom of leaves to feed and strain . whitefly can procreate quickly as a female can lie up to 500 egg in a life pair of 2 months . If a plant is overrun with whiteflies , you will see a cloud of take flight insects when the plant is disturbed . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , finally leading to plant death if they are not checked . They can transmit many harmful plant virus . They also produce a odoriferous content call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting black-market surface fungal emergence called jet-black mold .
Possible controls : keep weed down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; dispatch infested plants away from non - infested plant ; use a musing mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whiteflies ) ; trap with chicken steamy card , put on labeled pesticide ; advance natural enemies such as parasitic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a good unwavering shower of water will wash them off the plant . Pest : sluggard and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climate and are mollusks , not insect . They can be esurient feeder , use up just about anything that is not woody or extremely sweet-smelling . They may exhaust holes in leaves , airstrip intact stems , or completely devour seedling and attender transplants , leaving behind tell - tale silvery , slimy trails .
bar and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , eliminating concealing places such as leaf debris , over - turned pots , and tarps . Groundcover in shadowy shoes and hard mulches provide protection from the chemical element and can be preferent concealing stead . In the spring , patrol for and destruct eggs ( clusters of little translucent sector ) and adults during dusk and first light . set up out beer trap from late spring through fall .
Many chemical substance controls are available on the securities industry , but can be poisonous and pernicious for small fry and pets ; take tending when using them - always read the label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually found on plants that do not have enough aviation circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where night are cool and day are warm and humid . The powdery blanched or grayish fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit . Leaves will often turn yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . novel leaf emerge crinkled and distorted . Fruit will be dwarf and often drops early .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant varieties and space plants right so they receive adequate light source and melodic line circulation . Always water from below , keeping water system off the foliage . This is preponderating for roses . Go soft on the nitrogen fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to label way before problem becomes serious and keep an eye on directions exactly , not missing any need treatment . Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves , flowers , or rubble in the fall and destroy . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are due to fungi or bacterium . dark-brown or bleak spots and patch may be either ragged or orbitual , with a water soaked or yellow - edged appearance . dirt ball , rain , sordid garden tools , or even people can aid its cattle ranch .
Prevention and Control : Remove infected leaf when the plant is dry . Leaves that garner around the base of the plant life should be raked up and chuck out of . Avoid overhead irrigation if potential ; water should be direct at ground stage . For fungal leafage blot , use a recommended fungicide according to label directions .
Pest : Scale InsectsScales are dirt ball , related to mealy hemipteran , that can be a job on a panoptic mixture of plant - indoor and outdoor . untested scales Australian crawl until they line up a near feeding internet site . The adult female person then lose their leg and stay on a spot protect by its hard eggshell layer . They appear as gibbosity , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have piercing mouth parts that suck the sap out of flora tissue . scale can weaken a plant lead to yellow foliage and foliage drop . They also create a sweet-flavored sum called honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty stamp .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are hard to control . Isolate invade plants away from those that are not infested . Consult your local garden meat professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a legal passport regarding their control . Encourage natural enemies such as parasitical WASP in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feeds on honeydew excreted from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ants . Though not serious , it is unattractive when it cover / char the folio and staunch of the plant . The best agency to ascertain pitchy moulding is to control the dirt ball that make the honeydew melon . Sooty mould can commonly be wiped from leafage with a damp cloth or wash away with a hose - final stage sprayer .
